Online gambling is any type of gambling conducted over the internet. This includes casinos, live casinos, poker and even sports betting among others. This was the first online gambling site open to the public, opened by the world’s first online lottery syndicate, in October 1994. Since then there have been numerous online gambling sites that allow gambling via the internet. These sites vary in their services and types of games offered, and as a result there is a huge choice available to any type of gambler.
As any new internet user will be aware of, online gambling sites are run and hosted by companies who provide these facilities. These companies will either use a system of software clients to operate the online gambling sites, or they will employ the services of internet connectivity providers. There is no difference between the two types of service providers. Software clients are generally less secure than internet connection providers, as they are susceptible to hackers who can alter the site’s configuration, resulting in disruption of the gambler’s game-playing. On the other hand, internet connection providers ensure that all data is encrypted and therefore safe from being hacked.
In contrast to internet gambling sites, many real money online gaming sites do not make use of software clients. Instead they use an online gambling platform, usually a browser based application (which can also be downloaded for free), to allow users to interact with their games. Examples include online roulette games and blackjack games. There is typically no need for the players to download any software or configure any particular web server.
With online gambling there are usually no restrictions on how a player makes a deposit or any withdrawal, nor does it have a limit on the number of cash withdrawals they can take throughout the course of any given day. This lack of constraint means that there is often a large amount of money available on any given day, and allows players to play with a large cash balance. Because there are no governmental restrictions on online gambling, it is easy for online gambling sites to offer bonuses or cash prizes that may encourage players to deposit more money into the site’s account.
Many online gambling sites offer their customers the option to play their games with ‘virtual money’. This is similar to playing at an online casino, but instead of wagers being placed against the outcome of the game, virtual money is placed on a ‘bookie’ (exchange based upon an agreed exchange rate) to determine the outcome of the game. The advantage to this type of service is that players are able to play without needing to provide their real money bank details, making it relatively anonymous. Virtual money online gambling sites are usually regulated by specific governments, making it difficult for individuals to access their money. However, it is still possible for virtual money to be stolen, meaning that it is important for players to keep their personal details safe if they wish to use this option.
Most online casinos will also allow players the option of using an online banking system. Online gambling sites usually offer their clients the option of depositing money onto a bank account, so that they can purchase goods and services from the site. This method has the disadvantage of being subject to fraud and theft, as stolen funds cannot be withdrawn unless the transactions are reversed. However, some online casinos have developed their own systems to allow users the ability to make deposits through traditional banks.